Conversion coatings and their characterisation

Aim of this study is to improve corrosion resistance of magnesium alloy AZ91 by conversion coatings. Influence of alloy microstructure on conversion coating growth and corrosion resistance was evaluated. Properties of pure magnesium and magnesium alloy AZ91 as well as the influence of alloying elements on properties of this alloy are described in theoretical part. Recent results of corrosion protection by conversion coatings on AZ type magnesium alloys are summarised in recherché part. Practical part focuses on preparation of hexavalent chromium based conversion coating and phosphate-permanganate based conversion coating on as cast AZ91 magnesium alloy, these coatings were subsequently applied on annealed AZ91 magnesium alloy. Corrosion protection of the coatings prepared on as cast and annealed alloy was evaluated by potentiodynamic measurements and testing in neutral salt spray. Furthermore the influence of plasma activation on phosphate-permanganate coating surface was studied